A tragic incident unfolded in Florida, USA when a 2-year-old girl was discovered dead in a hot car, suspected of being left alone by her parents who were allegedly using drugs.
As much as many eagerly anticipate the warm summer days, they can also bring about unfortunate circumstances.
During extreme heat, it is crucial to ensure the most vulnerable are shielded from the sun’s rays and cared for.
Regrettably, this week, a 2-year-old girl lost her life as her parents opted to leave her in a scorching car.
She Fell Asleep in the Car
The child had fallen asleep in the vehicle, leading her parents to leave her unattended.
Subsequently, Kathreen Adams, 23, and Christopher McLean, 32, have been apprehended and charged with child neglect and drug possession.
Additional charges are anticipated as the investigation proceeds for the couple, as per reports by NBC News.
Sequence of Events
Authorities responded to a distress call placed by the mother on Tuesday at 3:43 pm, where she was reportedly in a state of distress, only revealing the situation upon their arrival.
Upon their arrival, the mother was cradling her lifeless child.
Despite resuscitation efforts, it was tragically too late. Paramedics confirmed the child’s passing upon their arrival.
Initially, the mother indicated discovering her daughter unconscious at home, but her elevated temperature of nearly 42 degrees raised suspicion, as reported by NBC News.
Intentional Neglect
Further investigation uncovered that the child had been left in the car for 14 hours.
Kathreen Adams had collected the 2-year-old and her 4-year-old sibling from a relative, with the younger child nodding off on the journey.
“Upon realizing this, they neglected their duties of care, succumbing to sleep themselves until 3:41 pm when they discovered the child still in the vehicle,” revealed Police Officer John Tate, per reports.
In her confession, the mother indicated that she had “deliberately abandoned the girl in the car,” according to John Tate.
Drug-Related Suspicions
The father’s lack of cooperation has hindered the investigation, leaving unanswered questions surrounding the child’s demise.
There are suspicions that the 4-year-old sibling might have also been left in the vehicle. Additionally, drug-related substances were discovered in the residence, including methamphetamine, marijuana, CBD, and related paraphernalia.
Although the parents acknowledged marijuana use upon their return, law enforcement suspects a deeper involvement.
“Avoid substance abuse. I firmly believe that methamphetamine, narcotics, played a pivotal role in this tragedy,” expressed John Tate in a statement to NBC.
“Drug use clouds judgment, leading to such unfortunate incidents. Without drug involvement, this heartbreaking event might have been averted.”
The elder sister has been placed under the care of social services, with ongoing inquiries into the matter.
Rest in peace, little angel. Your departure from this world was untimely.
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